Malaysian Festivals

Traditional celebrations. For many years, Malaysia has touted itself as being, “Truly Asia” and for a good reason to go. Diverse ethnic culture and good food all year round, Malaysia is a beautiful country where one can experience a multitude of cultural celebrations and festivals.

Take a look at the TOP 10 Traditional Celebrations in Malaysia! These Malaysian festivals might be happening just at the time you are visiting this lovely country!

Chinese New Year (5.02.2019.)

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, includes the famous Lion Dance and exclusive performances at temples and shopping malls. Places predominantly occupied by Chinese turns extra vibrant before the Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai, Xin Nian Kuai Le!

Thaipusam (21.01.2019.)

Thaipusam is a Hindu festival, attracting thousands of pilgrims to Batu Caves temple. One of the unique sight during this occasion is the kavadi piercing. Surprisingly no bloodshed happens due to piercing, it is believed to be down to two reasons. Firstly, sacred ash which consists of dried cow`s dung is smeared on the body to prevent the infection. Secondly, devotees practice meditation and fasting for up to 48 days prior to the celebration to become closer to God, which enables them to enter a state of trance.

Good Friday (19.04.2019.)

Good Friday is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary (Golgotha). The holiday is observed during Holy Week on a Friday proceeding Easter Sunday and may coincide with the Jewish observance of Passover. Great and Holy Friday is observed as a strict fast, and adult Byzantine Christians are expected to abstain from all food and drink the entire day to the extent that their health permits.

Pesta Kaamatan (30.05.2019.)

The aboriginal ethnic of Sabah, which is Kadadzan, Dusun and Murut come together to commemorate harvest festival, locally known as Pesta Kaamatan. The harvest festival usually lasts for the whole month of May. During the celebration, offerings are made to the spirit of paddy, Bambaazon. To end the harvest festival, a beauty pageant known as Unduk Ngadau will be held in the annual host district, Panampang.

Gawai Day (1.06.2019.)

The traditional rice harvest celebration is the largest religious celebration in Sarawak, known as Gawai Day. It is celebrated by Dayak people, where the celebration usually serves as a prelude to feasting, dancing, and tuak (rice wine) testing. Gawai Day is a Thanksgiving day, marking a bountiful harvest and a time to plan for the new farming season.

Moon Cake Festival (19.02.2019.)

Moon cake festival is also known as Lantern Festival. This festival is celebrated by holding candle lantern processions and feasting on moon cakes. These cakes are also presented to relatives and friends as gifts. It basically celebrates the victory of Chinese peasants over Mongolian warlords.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (5.06.2019.)

After fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri to show gratitude to Allah and remembering Him, as well as giving alms to the poor. During one month of celebration, it is customary for workers in the city to return to their home town to ask for forgiveness from parents, in-laws and other elders; locally known as “balik kampung”. Not only that friends and families will visit each other and special dishes like ketupat, rendang, lemang (a type of glutinous dish cooked in bamboo) are served.

Deepavali (27.10.2019.)

Deepavali, known as Festival of Light is celebrated by Hindus. During the festival, they will decorate their house with oil lamps and lights. It is a celebration of good triumphing over evil.

Hari Raya Haji (11.08.2019.)

Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Haji, also called the sacrifice feast. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to God`s command. In commemoration of this, an animal is sacrificed and divided to three parts; one third is given to the poor and needy; another third is given to relatives, friends, and neighbors; and the third is retained by the family.

Christmas (24.12.2019.)

The small Eurasian Catholics in Melaka are known to throw great parties during Christmas. It is the last festival of the year according to the Malaysian calendar. Christmas carols, reindeer, Santa Claus, and Christmas trees all contribute to the last grand festival of the year.

/Information taken from KL Guide. First Free Travel Guide in Malaysia/